The initiative seeks to double student mobility between the two countries, and build a “roadmap” to navigate the roadblocks that students may encounter while planning a trip abroad. Gordon spoke as part of the session “Diversifying Study Abroad: New Models for Study Abroad between France and the US and Reaching out to New Publics,” and discussed the institutional and cultural boundaries that some groups may encounter with a group of more than 80 French and American participants.

"Ethnic and racial students face stringent barriers due to the general lack of connection between their home lives and French culture or travel", he said, "Increasing the linkages between American and French institutions is a key part of kickstarting mobility between the two countries, especially regarding diverse students."

Financial obstacles also hinder students from going abroad, across all demographics of students. Creating targeted funding programs and partnering with Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), as well as marketing France as an academic and cultural destination for diverse students, would foster an inclusive global education environment.